History of lingerie: The significant eras I

Ancient Greece: the utilitarian aspect above all 

Born in ancient Greece, lingerie was born for its utilitarian side in order to hide the so-called intimate parts of the body. There was therefore no aspect related to seduction, naughty appearance or sexuality. The fabrics used for lingerie were modest and simplistic types, mostly made of linen. The design was mainly bandages and tunics often in neutral colors. In fact, at that time linen was used since there was a large quantity available in ancient Greece and since this fabric was very versatile (antimicrobial, biodegradable, heat conductive, etc.). For example, linen was also used to make armor and medical bandages.

The Renaissance: the era of the corset and sensuality

During the Renaissance, there was a big change in lingerie. The utilitarian side was transformed into a desire to highlight the female figure mainly through the corset. It was a time marked by the popularization of lace and embroidery, mainly reserved for wealthy families. Women's lingerie was increasingly associated with a celebration of women's curves and also with certain aspects related to sexuality. For example, a tradition was born: offering lingerie to the bride to celebrate her new union with her partner, which is still seen today in some cultures for the honeymoon.

Big leap to the 30s: the appearance of the sheath

The beginning of the 30s during the period between the two world wars is marked by the appearance of the first girdle. Moving from a feminine silhouette formed by a corset to a more cylindrical shape. The chest is therefore presented in a more relaxed and natural way. We therefore see the arrival of the first bra and garter belts as an accessory to the girdles mainly in pastel colors. Silk and nylon stockings will also appear at this time to complete the classic lingerie set as we know it today.

The post-war period: the return of luxury and female liberation through lingerie

After World War II, the lingerie industry experienced a boom marked by luxury and more complex designs than before. For example, we see more fitted panties and satin fabrics added to the lace already highly valued among women. We see more synthetic fabrics appearing like nylon and rayon. Then, the shades of colors were darker bringing a sophisticated distinction.

The evolution of lingerie and its influence from ancient Greece to the post-war period

Through these different eras separated by several years we see that lingerie has greatly evolved. Influenced by the political or conflictual situation, by the economy, by culture, by the development of textiles, the evolution of the place of women in society.

Lingerie has evolved from linen bandages to cover the body to luxurious and intricate pieces of fine lace or satin lingerie. Even before, the woman's silhouette was determined by lingerie trends. In fact, with corsets and girdles that with their adjustment could modify the women's body to display the typical silhouette of the time in question.

Missing Pieces: Men's Lingerie and its Connection to Sexuality

So far, in the history of lingerie, there has been little talk of a link between lingerie and sexuality/seduction, as we can feel a little more today. Also, the place of men's lingerie is not mentioned much. We will be able to explore these issues in future articles to come.

Sources:

-https://www.doubleaparis.com/blogs/infos/lhistoire-de-la-lingerie#:~:text=La%20lingerie%20f%C3%A9minine%20est%20n%C3%A9e,%C3%82ge%2C%20cette%20vision%20%C3%A9volue%20peu.

–https://atelier-guillemette.com/blog/histoire-lingerie

–https://corefabricstore.com/fr/blogs/news/the-history-of-linen-fabric